My 2008 Fabia Estate is only 3.5yrs old and running fine. But I'm hankering after some more power and am thinking my wife should take over our existing car fully and I'll use the bike and a new more powerful car. But, I don't want to lose the fantastic mpg's that my motor does. Ok, I know I'll lose somthing even if I end up buying the CR1.6 Fabia Estate, but judging by the mpg my neighbours and my little sis gets in their 1.6CR Fabia's, it won't be much less and might even be more on the longer faster journeys that I am now starting to do. But, I've been casting my eye around more intensely lately at Skoda, and the other cars on the market. I've had loads of test drives. Skoda comes out pretty near if not at the top so far for technicality, durability & build, and reliability I reckon. Being ex-tech I'm quite demanding when I check out a new car, I look at everything and speak to everyone from service guys to techs and sales. It's not until you start comparing Skoda with other makes you actually realise how solid they feel and how quiet. That's what I'm finding anyway. The Skoda driving experience is a good one in most of there cars I have to say, and they compare well with other makes and models on the market. Recently, one car has caught my eye though. Not sure yet if I would buy one but I just might if the driving experience is good. The car I'm talking about is the new HONDA CIVIC DIESEL which is Euro5 & 6 compliant.

The car in question is the latest model which is completely new throughout with the new 2.2 litre D.TEC engine. This engine has got a Diesel Particulate Filter, and a CAT that scrubs out the usual rubbish and also most of the NOX that is produced by diesel cars. Like I say, it is Euro5 and Euro6 compliant. I've been offered a test drive when they arrive and I'm going to take them up on that. The amazing thing is the cleanliness of the engine. It produces just 110gms of CO2 (for a 2.2 litre engine that's amazing) and that puts it into the £20pa road tax bracket. This is a 150ps engine producing 350nm of torque with a 0-62mph time of just 8.7secs. The old engine produced 139gms of CO2, 140ps and 340nm of torque. But the big thing is fuel economy. The new engine is way ahead of the old unit with a combined figure of 67.3mpg as opposed to 53mpg for the old unit. the new unit is capable of an extra urban figure of nearly 77mpg, again about 10mpg better than the old unit. Even with a NOX CAT the cost is not much different to the old model I'm assured.

I teched for Honda a few years back so I know they are/were good, but they have never produced a diesel this good before. Anyone had the old Civic 2.2litre diesel or know someone who has/had one? If so, what did you/your friend/acquantance think of that car? I can't wait to try one. Anyone else any thoughts you'd like to pass on. All comments welcome. I'm well out of touch with Honda.

Watch this space soon!

Edited 29 December, 201114 yr by Estate Man

next door has a 60 plate 2.2d

he travels the same road as me to work, a 20 mile trip each way on a roads with lots of traffic through a few towns too

he says the computer is showing 48 mpg average overall the time hes had the car which isnt too shabby at all considering all the trips into town shopping etc

its very comfortable and the ONLY issue he's had has been with a creak from the front screen which i think has now been sorted

ive been a passenger in it and it pulls like a train but didnt have the kick the mk1 vrs has but still goes very very well and reading about the new one itll be even better

Thanks buddy! Yep, that's the sort of stuff I want to hear about. I don't think much comes close to your Vrs though! Certainly not the Honda. But good comments and thanks again.

I know someone with a 2.2 diesel Accord (think it's a 56 plate) and he averages 56mpg.

***Edit***

Just had a look at the website for the New Civc here where you can download a -the brochure/price list diesel starts at £19,995 up to £28,495 OTR

Edited 29 December, 201114 yr by greenstripe

it's not a cheap car and certainly more comparable to an Octy rather than a fabia. but money aside my work colleague had been running a 2.2 civic diesel (2007 year) and he gets about 44mpg, though it's worth noting he does drive it on the turbo and all his journey's other than his trip to work are all short journeys (sub 15mins) and he has 3 kids a a wife so the car is loaded up accordingly.

i have driven it and it certainly goes well for a 138bhp motor.

whilst i think Honda make some of the most reliable cars in the world i still think the £22k a decent spec car will cost you is alot compared to a £27k Jaguar XF 2.7 twin turbo. and there new cheaper 2.2 160bhp diesel unit recently released.

i like them all the same

FWIW, BMW 320d's have similar mpg & emissions figures I think, but considerably more power.

FWIW, BMW 320d's have similar mpg & emissions figures I think, but considerably more power.

Yes my BMW 320D Efficient Dynamics(Jan 09 reg)gives better mpg than my Fabia 1.6 diesel and is certainly more solid. The 320D was Green Car of the Year in 2009 and most reliable fleet car 2010. Secondhand ones are relatively cheap at the moment and because BMW are ahead of the technology pack a low mileage 3 year old car makes a lot of sense. You'll need to get shot of the run flat tyres if you want a reasonable ride though.

That new Honda diesel does look very impressive from a fuel economy/emissions point of view.

If it's as reliable as the old model it should be a good car to own.

My only criticism of Honda is the cars are good, but not fun generally unless you go for a sport tuned model.

Which I guess explains their popularity with more mature people.

My sister had one of the first current shape 1.6 petrol Civic cars in the country.

It did not take her long to change it to a CRV, especially when she turned up to put fuel in and the cap would not open from inside the car.

I have thought all three Hondas she has had including her current CRZ have a hard ride.

Thanks boys. So far so good. The Civic is expensive but there is a brand new Civic diesel 1.6 D.TEC engine coming out later in 2012 that is going to be super economical and very very fast too. Again Euro6 compliant. It will cost less than the 2.2 litre engine, but no firm details on price yet. I want to buy the latest technology if possible. Boss...your not calling me 'Mature' are you!! My wife would have to disagree with anyone who called me that. She says I've never grown up....dunno what she means!